FG, Southwest governors agree on Amotekun

The Federal government and governors of the Southwest geopolitical zone have reached agreement over Amotekun, the security outfit launched by the governors recently to help tackle insecurity in the area.

Controversy had trailed the launch, with the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami initially declaring it illegal.

However, the federal government, represented by vice president, Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met with the governor and the inspector general of police, Adamu Mohammed during which an agreement was reached.

Osinbajo who announced the agreement in a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, said the meeting was very fruitful and unanimous resolutions were made on the way forward.

“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, met today with South West Governors, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police,” the statement read.

“The meeting was at the instance of the Governors who had asked to see President Muhammadu Buhari over the controversy surrounding the Amotekun Initiative. However due to the President’s foreign engagement, he asked the Vice President to host the meeting.

“The meeting was very fruitful and unanimous resolutions were made on the way forward.

“Having regard to the need for all hands to be on deck in addressing the security concerns across the country, it was agreed that the structure of Amotekun should also align with the Community Policing strategy of the Federal Government.

“It was also agreed that necessary legal instruments will be put in place by each of the States to give legal backing to the initiative and address all issues concerning the regulation of the security structure.”